There is a popular saying that “laughter is the best medicine”; the many health benefits of laughter affirms this saying. Laughter generally relieves stress, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow in the heart, moderates blood pressure, aids in breathing, and fights diseases.
To add to the above, laughter also helps with depression and is a dear friend during a tough day, among many others.
To laugh basically means make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of derision.
In this article, we are going to take a look at 7 other unexpected health benefits of Laughter.
1. It combats memory loss
2. It reduces anxiety and boosts mood and confidence
3. It Burns Calories
Amazingly, laughter also burns calories. According to research out of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, laughing for 10 to 15 minutes can burn between 10 to 40 calories per day—and even more if they’re those deep-in-the-belly laughs.
It might not seem like a whole lot, but that translates to losing about four pounds a year. All in all, it’s just another reason to make sure you’re laughing regularly.
4. Laughter Clears your mind and makes you creative
When you have a serious case of brain fog? Laughter can help. In a 2016 study published in the FASEB Journal, researchers found laughing can put your brain in a state where you’re able to think more clearly. So who knows: If you need to clear your head, all it might take is watching a funny video or popping in your favorite comedy.
Also, laugh a little to loosen your hardened mind to embrace creativity. Laughing helps you relax so you focus on exactly what the plan is, without stress.
5. Laughter kills pain
People always say to smile through the pain, but it’s laughter that can really up your tolerance. In a 2011 study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers found that between the feel-good endorphins being released into your body and the deep breaths you’re taking, which help relax the muscles, the simple act of laughing can actually help you feel less pain.
6. It makes you smarter and improves your focus
With improving focus, let’s take a typical instance; the tendency to focus on productive work after 3:00pm is not easy. However, in a 2016 study published in the FASEB Journal, researchers found that laughing engages your brain in a way that instantly sharpens your focus, enabling you to stay productive. As aid, you can crack jokes once in a while to ease yourself up in the office.
7. Laughter Increases your connection with others
Going on a first date with a guy or girl you have a maximum crush on? Relieve your nerves and increase the odds that you bond by doing something that will make you laugh. That could be a funny movie, comedy night, ski-ball, roller-coasters, or whatever your idea of “fun” might be.
